What I’m Drinking: Chamisal’s crowd-pleasing Chardonnay

Chardonnay lovers and non-Chard drinkers unite! I’ve found a California Chardonnay that both palates can agree upon. I recently served Chamisal Vineyard’s estate-grown 2015 Edna Valley Chardonnay ($35) at on pizza night at a friend’s house, and it was a hit, with both the Margarita and sauceless pie with peppery arugula and red onion.

Everyone loved the tropical and melon fruit notes and crisp acidity that kept us coming back for another sip. The Chamisal Chard is super balanced, and the oak spice and buttery texture were subdued, creating a more versatile, mouthwateringly delicious sip.

Chamisal, which specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as Grenache and Syrah, is on California’s Central Coast in the Edna Valley AVA in San Luis Obispo. In addition to the Edna Valley Chardonnay, Chamisal also produces an unoaked Chard — the Stainless Chardonnay ($18) — that we are also partial to, especially for the price.